Residential Landlord-Tenant Agreement Template

Use this residential landlord-tenant agreement template to create a lease that clearly sets out the rights and obligations of the tenant and the landlord when renting residential property. After you download the agreement, you can:

• Set out the terms of the tenancy and rights when either party is unable to fulfil their part of the agreement.
• Customize details for monthly rent payments and how they should be paid, and detail late fees.
• Set rules for limitations on the use of the premises, pets, repairs, and more.
• Set expectations regarding keys, the security deposit, subletting, maintenance, insurance, right of access, and grounds for termination. 

Who It’s For

This residential landlord-tenant agreement template is for landlords renting a residential property to tenants. You can use it for renting a house, an apartment, or other living space. It’s not designed for commercial leasing. You can adapt this sample to use with new tenants or existing ones when the lease is up for renewal.

What’s Included in the Template

This free template includes several clauses that set out the tenant’s and landlord’s rights and obligations. You can edit and customize the following clauses:

• Parties entering into the agreement and the premises included in the lease.
• A clause listing what’s included in the agreement, with an option to customize for furnishings.
• The term of the tenancy.
• Responsibilities of the tenant and landlord if unable to deliver or take possession of the premises.
• Monthly rent payments and fees.
• Limitations on the use of the premises, pets, waterbeds, alterations or repairs, keys, and subletting.
• Grounds for termination, utilities and maintenance, insurance, and the security deposit.
• Notices, termination, rights of access, disclosures, and applicable law.
• Confidentiality, waivers, disputes and resolutions, and severability. 
• Clauses outlining parking, return of items, vacations and holidays, rent-to-own, unlawful activities, and modifications.
• A section for electronic signatures so that the landlord and tenant can sign online.

How to Write This Agreement

Most clauses in this residential landlord-tenant agreement template are ready to use as they are. There are also editable clauses, set up for you to enter the relevant details according to your property. Follow these steps to customize the relevant sections according to your needs and the local legal requirements.

1. Check local legal limits and requirements 

You’ll see several sections in this form** **that are flexible so that you can adapt it to the legal requirements in your area. Before you fill it out, it’s important to check what’s required of landlords in your state, city, or country. For example, before filling out any surcharge for pets and the amount for late fees, it’s best to check if any maximum limits are in place.

You’ll also need to review the local legal requirements for grounds for termination, as most jurisdictions have specific rules for what are appropriate grounds. Finally, the clause concerning applicable law should list the specifics of your jurisdiction, which is where you’ll address any disputes.

2. Customize based on your rules and the property

Several clauses are flexible and leave room for you to add your own rules and details relating to the specifics of the property. The first clause to pay attention to is the one concerning alterations and repairs. It’s a space where you can decide whether the tenants can put nails in the walls and paint or not, and whether they just need to make good after.

The additional provisions clause is where you can customize based on the particular features of your property. For example, you might have specific rules about the garden, fireplace, swimming pool, or another feature.

You’ll also need to edit the parking clause to match what’s available at the premises. It’s a good idea to mention the resident’s parking that is included, as well as any visitor spaces. 

3. Disclose all elements as appropriate

The disclosures clause is an important space for you to tell the tenants about anything that you are required to disclose. That can vary depending on your jurisdiction, so make sure you understand the property and your obligations. For example, you could need to disclose the use of lead paint anywhere on the premises.

4. Attach documents as necessary

If there are any specific features or furnishings included in the rental agreement, you can add them in the agreement to rent or additional provisions clauses. If the lists are long or you need to add any documentation or additional papers, you can add them as attachments.

5. Focus on the written, not the verbal

The entire agreement clause confirms that what’s in the written agreement stands and supersedes any discussions or casual conversations that you have had. For that reason, if there’s anything that you want to be part of the agreement, it needs to be included in writing above the section for signing.